Data display apparatus using category-based axes

ABSTRACT

A user input selecting a first data item is received. Multiple informational categories associated with the selected first data item are accessed based on the received user input selecting the first data item. Multiple data items within a first of the multiple informational categories associated with the selected first data item are retrieved. Multiple data items within a second of the multiple informational categories associated with the selected first data item are retrieved. A display is generated. The display includes the first data item, the multiple retrieved data items within the first informational category arranged according to a first category-based axis that extends away from the first data item, and the multiple retrieved data items within the second informational category arranged according to a second category-based axis that extends away from the first data item. Rendering of the generated display is enabled.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(a), this application claims the benefit ofthe earlier filing date and right of priority to Korean Application No.10-2009-0082176, filed on Sep. 1, 2009, the contents of which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Mobile devices can be used to provide wireless communication betweenusers. In particular, a user of a mobile device can place a telephonecall to a landline or to another user of a mobile device. As mobiledevice capability has advanced in recent years, mobile devices haveincreasingly become able to provide functionality in addition towireless communication. For example, some mobile devices provideinternet access and other functionality. Moreover, as additionalfunctionality is provided by mobile devices, additional means ofrendering can also be employed.

SUMMARY

In general, in some aspects, a method of displaying categories ofinformation on a mobile terminal includes receiving a user inputselecting a first data item and accessing, based on the received userinput selecting the first data item, multiple informational categoriesassociated with the selected first data item. The method also includesretrieving multiple data items within a first of the multipleinformational categories associated with the selected first data item.The method further includes retrieving multiple data items within asecond of the multiple informational categories associated with theselected first data item and generating a display. The generated displayincludes the first data item and the multiple retrieved data itemswithin the first informational category arranged according to a firstcategory-based axis that extends away from the first data item. Thegenerated display also includes the multiple retrieved data items withinthe second informational category arranged according to a secondcategory-based axis that extends away from the first data item. Thegenerated display further includes enabling rendering, on a display of amobile terminal, of the generated display that includes the first dataitem, the multiple retrieved data items within the first informationalcategory arranged according to the first category-based axis thatextends away from the first data item, and the multiple retrieved dataitems within the second informational category arranged according to thesecond category-based axis that extends away from the first data item.

In other implementations, some aspects include a method. The methodincludes selecting a data item and accessing, based on the selection ofthe data item, multiple informational categories associated with theselected data item. The method also includes retrieving multiple dataitems with a first of the multiple informational categories associatedwith the selected data item. The method further includes retrievingmultiple data items with a second of the multiple informationalcategories associated with the selected data item. Additionally, themethod includes enabling generation of a display that includes the firstdata item, the multiple retrieved data items within the firstinformational category arranged according to a first category-based axisthat extends away from the first data item, and the multiple retrieveddata items within the second informational category arranged accordingto a second category-based axis that extends away from the first dataitem.

This and other implementations can optionally include one or more of thefollowing features, which also may optionally be in any combination. Forexample, selecting the data item may include selecting a data item thatcorresponds to a first movie, accessing the multiple informationalcategories associated with the selected data item may include accessingmultiple informational categories associated with the first movie,retrieving the multiple data items within the first of multipleinformational categories may include retrieving multiple data itemscorresponding to other movies starring an actor who acted in the firstmovie, retrieving the multiple data items within the second of multipleinformational categories may include retrieving multiple data itemscorresponding to other movies directed by a director who directed thefirst movie, and enabling generation of the display may include enablinggeneration of a display that renders an icon corresponding to the firstmovie, icons corresponding to the other movies starring the actor whoacted in the first movie arranged in a row according to the firstcategory-based axis that extends away from the icon corresponding to thefirst movie, and icons corresponding to the other movies directed by thedirector who directed the first movie arranged in a row according to thesecond category-based axis that extends away from the icon correspondingto the first movie.

Also, selecting the data item may include selecting a data item thatcorresponds to an artist, accessing the multiple informationalcategories associated with the selected data item may include accessingmultiple informational categories associated with the artist, retrievingthe multiple data items within the first of multiple informationalcategories may include retrieving multiple data items corresponding tosongs by the artist, retrieving the multiple data items within thesecond of multiple informational categories may include retrievingmultiple data items corresponding to photos of the artist, and enablinggeneration of the display may include enabling generation of a displaythat renders an icon corresponding to the artist, icons corresponding tosongs by the artist arranged in a row according to the firstcategory-based axis that extends away from the icon corresponding to theartist, and icons corresponding to the photos of the artist arranged ina row according to the second category-based axis outward that extendsaway from the icon corresponding to the artist.

The method may additionally include receiving a selection of a firsticon of the rendered icons corresponding to the songs by the artistarranged in the row according to the first category-based axis thatextends away from the icon corresponding to the artist, accessing, basedon the selection of the first icon, a media item of the song to whichthe selected first icon corresponds, and enabling rendering of theaccessed media item. Selecting a data item may include receiving userinput selecting an item rendered on a display of a mobile terminal.Accessing the multiple informational categories associated with theselected data item may include accessing, from computer-readable memory,an association between the multiple informational categories and theselected data item. Retrieving the multiple data items within the firstinformational category may include retrieving, from computer-readablememory of a mobile terminal, the multiple data items within the firstinformational category and retrieving the multiple data items within thesecond informational category may include retrieving, from thecomputer-readable memory of the mobile terminal, the multiple data itemswithin the second informational category.

Further, retrieving the multiple data items within the firstinformational category may include retrieving, from an Internet website,the multiple data items within the first informational category andretrieving the multiple data items within the second informationalcategory may include retrieving, from the Internet website, the multipledata items within the second informational category. The firstcategory-based axis may be a linear axis with a first angle relative toa reference line and the second category-based axis may be a linear axiswith a second angle relative to the reference line that differs from thefirst angle. The second angle may be perpendicular to the first angle.The method may further include retrieving multiple data items within athird of the multiple informational categories associated with theselected data item and retrieving multiple data items within a fourth ofthe multiple informational categories associated with the selected dataitem. Enabling generation of the display may include enabling generationof a display that includes the first data item, the multiple retrieveddata items within the first informational category arranged according toa first category-based axis that extends away from the first data item,the multiple retrieved data items within the second informationalcategory arranged according to a second category-based axis that extendsaway from the first data item, the multiple retrieved data items withinthe third informational category arranged according to a thirdcategory-based axis that extends away from the first data item, and themultiple retrieved data items within the fourth informational categoryarranged according to a fourth category-based axis that extends awayfrom the first data item.

Enabling generation of the display may include enabling generation of adisplay that renders icons corresponding to the multiple retrieved dataitems within the first informational category arranged in a rowaccording to the first category-based axis that extends away from thefirst data item and that renders icons corresponding to the multipleretrieved data items within the second informational category arrangedin a row according to the second category-based axis that extends awayfrom the first data item. The method may also include receiving aselection of a first icon of the rendered icons corresponding to themultiple retrieved data items within the first informational categoryarranged in the row according to the first category-based axis thatextends away from the first data item, accessing, based on the selectionof the first icon, information corresponding to the selected first icon,and enabling rendering of the accessed information corresponding to theselected first icon.

In other implementations, some aspects include a device. The deviceincludes a computer-readable memory, a display, and a controller. Thecontroller is configured to receive a user input selecting a data itemand access, based on a selection of the data item and from thecomputer-readable memory, multiple informational categories associatedwith the selected data item. The controller is also configured toretrieve multiple data items within a first of multiple informationalcategories associated with the selected data item and retrieve multipledata items within a second of multiple informational categoriesassociated with the selected data item. The controller is furtherconfigured to enable rendering, on the display, of the selected dataitem, the multiple retrieved data items within the first informationalcategory arranged according to a first category-based axis that extendsaway from the first data item, and the multiple retrieved data itemswithin the second informational category arranged according to a secondcategory-based axis that extends away from the first data item.

This and other implementations can optionally include one or more of thefollowing features, which also may optionally be in any combination. Forexample, to access the multiple informational categories associated withthe selected data item, the controller can be configured to access, fromthe computer-readable memory, an association between the multipleinformational categories and the selected data item. To retrieve themultiple data items within the first informational category, thecontroller can be configured to retrieve, from the computer-readablememory, the multiple data items within the first informational categoryand, to retrieve the multiple data items within the second informationalcategory, the controller can be configured to retrieve, from thecomputer-readable memory, the multiple data items within the secondinformational category.

Also, to retrieve the multiple data items within the first informationalcategory, the controller can be configured to retrieve, from an Internetwebsite, the multiple data items within the first informational categoryand, to retrieve the multiple data items within the second informationalcategory, the controller can be configured to retrieve, from theInternet website, the multiple data items within the secondinformational category. The first category-based axis may be a linearaxis with a first angle relative to a reference line and the secondcategory-based axis may be a linear axis with a second angle relative toa reference line that differs from the first angle. The second angle maybe perpendicular to the first angle. To enable rendering, the controllercan be configured to enable rendering of an icon corresponding to thefirst data item, icons corresponding to the multiple retrieved dataitems within the first informational category arranged in a rowaccording to the first category-based axis that extends away from theicon corresponding to the first data item, and icons corresponding tothe multiple retrieved data items within the second informationalcategory arranged in a row according to the second category-based axisthat extends away from the icon corresponding to the first data item.The controller may include one or more processors.

Further scope of applicability will become apparent from the detaileddescription given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that thedetailed description and specific examples, while indicating variousimplementation, are given by illustration only, since various changesand modifications within the spirit and scope of the description willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art from this detaileddescription.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of a mobilecommunication terminal.

FIG. 2 illustrates a proximity touch.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of a vehiclenavigation system.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of atelematics terminal.

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of a datadisplay apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a first process for data display.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are overviews of display screens illustrating selection ofdata.

FIG. 9 is an overview of a display screen illustrating overviewinformation.

FIG. 10 is an overview of a display screen illustrating informationrelated to a first data item.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of a second process for data display.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are overviews of display screens illustratinginformation related to a second data item.

FIG. 14 is an overview of display screens illustrating overviewinformation.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart of a third process for data display.

FIG. 16 is an overview of a display screen illustrating overviewinformation.

FIG. 17 is an overview of a display screen illustrating informationrelated to a first music data item.

FIG. 18 is an overview of display screens illustrating a method ofreproducing music video.

FIG. 19 is an overview of a display screen illustrating display of aphoto image.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of a mobilecommunication terminal employing an image display apparatus according toan exemplary implementation. The mobile communication terminal 100 maybe implemented in various forms, such as mobile phones, smart phones,notebook computers, digital broadcast terminals, Personal DigitalAssistants (PDAs) or Portable Multimedia Player (PMPs).

As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile communication terminal 100 includes awireless communication unit 110, an Audio/Video (A/V) input unit 120, auser input unit 130, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, a memory160, an interface unit 170, a controller 180, and a power supply unit190. FIG. 1 shows the mobile communication terminal 100 having variouscomponents, but it is understood that implementing all of theillustrated components is not a requirement. In particular, variousimplementations of the mobile communication terminal 100 may includegreater or fewer components in configurations other than theconfiguration illustrated by FIG. 1.

The wireless communication unit 110 can include one or more componentsthat enable radio communication between the mobile communicationterminal 100 and a wireless communication system or a network in whichthe mobile communication terminal is located. For example, the wirelesscommunication unit may include at least one of a broadcast receivingmodule 111, a mobile communication module 112, a wireless Internetmodule 113, a short-range communication module 114, and a locationinformation module 115.

The broadcast receiving module 111 receives broadcast signals and/orbroadcast associated information from an external broadcast managementserver or other network entity (not shown) via a broadcast channel. Thebroadcast channel may include a satellite channel and/or a terrestrialchannel. The broadcast management server may be a server that generatesand transmits a broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated informationor a server that receives a previously generated broadcast signal and/orbroadcast associated information and transmits the same to a terminal.The broadcast associated information may refer to information associatedwith a broadcast channel, a broadcast program or a broadcast serviceprovider. The broadcast signal may include a TV broadcast signal, aradio broadcast signal, a data broadcast signal, or other signals. Also,the broadcast signal may further include a broadcast signal combinedwith a TV or radio broadcast signal.

The broadcast associated information may also be provided via a mobilecommunication network and, in this case, the broadcast associatedinformation may be received by the mobile communication module 112. Thebroadcast signal may exist in various forms. For example, broadcastassociated information may be implemented according to various formats,such as electronic program guide (EPG) of digital multimediabroadcasting (DMB), and electronic service guide (ESG) of digital videobroadcast-handheld (DVB-H).

The broadcast receiving module 111 may be configured to receive signalsbroadcast using various types of broadcast systems. In particular, thebroadcast receiving module 111 may receive a digital broadcast using adigital broadcast system, such as multimedia broadcasting-terrestrial(DMB-T), digital multimedia broadcasting-satellite (DMB-S), digitalvideo broadcast-handheld (DVB-H), the data broadcasting system known asmedia forward link only (MediaFLO®), integrated services digitalbroadcast-terrestrial (ISDB-T), or other broadcast systems. Thebroadcast receiving module 111 may be configured to be suitable forbroadcast systems that provide a broadcast signal as well as theabove-mentioned digital broadcast systems. Broadcast signals and/orbroadcast-associated information received via the broadcast receivingmodule 111 may be stored in the memory 160.

The mobile communication module 112 may transmit and receive radiosignals to and from at least one of a base station (e.g., access pointor node), an external terminal (e.g., other user devices) and a serveror other network entity. Such radio signals may include a voice callsignal, a video call signal, or various types of data according to textand/or multimedia message transmission and/or reception.

The wireless Internet module 113 supports wireless Internet access forthe mobile communication terminal. This module may be internally orexternally coupled to the terminal. Here, as the wireless Internettechnique, a wireless local area network (WLAN), Wi-Fi, wirelessbroadband (WiBro), world interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX),high speed downlink packet access (HSDPA) may be used. The short-rangecommunication module 114 is a module for supporting short rangecommunications. Some examples of short-range communication technologyinclude Bluetooth™, Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID), Infrared DataAssociation (IrDA), Ultra-WideBand (UWB), and ZigBee™.

The location information module 115 is a module for checking oracquiring a location (or position) of the mobile communication terminalor vehicle in which the mobile communication terminal is located. Forexample, the location information module 115 may be embodied using aGlobal Positioning System (GPS) module that receives locationinformation from a plurality of satellites. Here, the locationinformation may include coordinate information represented by latitudeand longitude values. For example, the GPS module may measure time anddistance with respect to three or more satellites so as to calculate acurrent location of the mobile communication terminal 100 according totrigonometry based on the measured time and distances. A method ofacquiring distance and time information from three satellites andperforming error correction with a single satellite may be used. Inparticular, the GPS module may acquire time and three-dimensional speedinformation as well as a latitude, longitude, and altitude from thelocation information received from the satellites. A Wi-Fi positionsystem and/or hybrid positioning system may be used as the locationinformation module 115.

The A/V input unit 120 is configured to receive an audio or videosignal. The A/V input unit 120 may include a camera 121 and a microphone122. The camera 121 processes image data of still pictures or videoobtained by an image capture device in a video capturing mode or animage capturing mode. The processed image frames may be displayed on thedisplay unit 151 (or other visual output device). The image framesprocessed by the camera 121 may be stored in the memory 160 (or otherstorage medium) or transmitted via the wireless communication unit 110.Two or more cameras 121 may be provided according to the configurationof the mobile communication terminal.

The microphone 122 may receive sounds via a microphone in a phone callmode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, or other modes, andcan process the received sounds into audio data. In implementationsusing mobile telephone systems, the processed audio data may beconverted for output into a format transmittable to a mobilecommunication base station (or other network entity) via the mobilecommunication module 112. The microphone 122 may implement various typesof noise canceling or suppression algorithms to cancel or suppress noiseor interference generated in the course of receiving and transmittingaudio signals.

The user input unit 130 may generate key input data from commandsentered by a user to control various operations of the mobilecommunication terminal 100. The user input unit 130 allows the user toenter various types of information, and may include a keypad, a domeswitch, a touch pad (e.g., a touch sensitive member that detects changesin resistance, pressure, or capacitance due to being contacted) a jogwheel, a jog switch, or other input mechanisms. In particular, when thetouch pad is overlaid on the display unit 151 in a layered manner, itmay form a touch screen.

The sensing unit 140 detects a current status or state of the mobilecommunication terminal 100, such as an opened or closed state of themobile communication terminal 100, a location of the mobilecommunication terminal 100, the presence or absence of user contact withthe mobile communication terminal 100 (i.e., touch inputs), theorientation of the mobile communication terminal 100, an acceleration ordeceleration movement and direction of the mobile communication terminal100, or other input mechanisms so as to generate commands or signals forcontrolling the operation of the mobile communication terminal 100. Forexample, when the mobile communication terminal 100 is implemented as aslide type mobile phone, the sensing unit 140 may sense whether theslide phone is opened or closed. In addition, the sensing unit 140 candetect whether or not the power supply unit 190 supplies power orwhether or not the interface unit 170 is coupled with an externaldevice.

The interface unit 170 serves as an interface by which at least oneexternal device may be connected with the mobile communication terminal100. For example, the external devices may include wired or wirelessheadset ports, an external power supply or battery charger ports, wiredor wireless data ports, memory card ports, ports for connecting a devicehaving an identification module, audio input/output (I/O) ports, videoI/O ports, or earphone ports. Here, the identification module may be amemory chip or other element with memory or storage capabilities thatstores various information for authenticating a user's authority forusing the mobile communication terminal 100. This information mayinclude, for example, a user identity module (UIM), a subscriberidentity module (SIM), or a universal subscriber identity module (USIM).

In addition, the device having the identification module (referred to asthe ‘identifying device’, hereinafter) may take the form of a smartcard. Accordingly, the identifying device may be connected with themobile communication terminal 100 via a port or other connection means.The interface unit 170 may be used to receive inputs (e.g., data,information, or power) from an external device and transfer the receivedinputs to one or more elements within the mobile communication terminal100 or may be used to transfer data between the mobile communicationterminal and an external device.

The output unit 150 is configured to provide outputs in a visual,audible, and/or tactile manner (e.g., audio signal, video signal, alarmsignal, or vibration signal). The output unit 150 may include thedisplay unit 151, an audio output module 152, an alarm unit 153, orother units.

The display unit 151 may display information processed in the mobileterminal 100. For example, when the mobile terminal 100 is in a phonecall mode, the display unit 151 may display a User Interface (UI) or aGraphic User Interface (GUI) associated with a call or othercommunication (such as text messaging or multimedia file downloading).When the mobile terminal 100 is in a video call mode or image capturingmode, the display unit 151 may display a captured image and/or areceived image, or a UI or GUI that shows videos or images and functionsrelated thereto.

The display unit 151 may include at least one of a Liquid CrystalDisplay (LCD), a Thin Film Transistor-LCD (TFT-LCD), an Organic LightEmitting Diode (OLED) display, a flexible display, or athree-dimensional (3D) display. The mobile terminal 100 may include twoor more display units or other display means according to its particulardesired functionality. For example, the mobile terminal may include bothan external display unit (not shown) and an internal display unit (notshown). When the display unit 151 and the touch pad are overlaid in alayered manner to form a touch screen, the display unit 151 may functionas both an input device and an output device. The touch sensor may, forexample, have the form of a touch film, a touch sheet, or a touch pad.In some cases, touch sensors (or touch screens) can operate withoutphysical contact. For example, touch screens operating on changedcapacitance or other electrical characteristics may operate by thenearby presence of a finger or object with or without physical contactwith the screen. As such, a “touch screen” may not actually require atouch for operation.

The touch sensor may be configured to convert the pressure applied to aparticular portion of the display unit 151 or a change in capacitance orother electrical characteristic generated at a particular portion of thedisplay unit 151 into an electrical input signal. The touch sensor maybe configured to detect a touch input pressure as well as a touch inputposition and a touch input area. When there is a touch input withrespect to the touch sensor, the corresponding signal is sent to a touchcontroller (not shown). The touch controller processes the signal andtransmits corresponding data to the controller 180. Accordingly, thecontroller 180 can recognize a touched region of the display unit 151. Aproximity sensor 141 of the mobile communication terminal 100 will nowbe described with reference to FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 illustrates a proximity touch. A proximity touch can, forexample, refer to recognition of the pointer positioned to be close tothe touch screen without being actually in contact with the touchscreen. In addition, a proximity touch can also refer to other touchscreen functionality, as discussed above.

The proximity sensor 141 may be disposed within the mobile terminalcovered by the touch screen or near the touch screen. The proximitysensor 141 can refer to a sensor for detecting the presence or absenceof an object that accesses a certain detection surface or an object thatexists nearby by using the force of electromagnetism or infrared rayswithout a mechanical contact. Thus, the proximity sensor 141 can have alonger life span than a contact type sensor and can be utilized forvarious purposes.

Examples of a proximity sensor 141 include a transmission typephotoelectric sensor, a direct reflection type photoelectric sensor, amirror-reflection type photo sensor, an RF oscillation type proximitysensor, a capacitance type proximity sensor, a magnetic proximitysensor, and an infrared proximity sensor. When the touch screen is anelectrostatic type touch screen, an approach of the pointer can bedetected based on a change in an electric field according to theapproach of the pointer. For example, the touch sensor may be classifiedas a proximity sensor.

In the following description, for the sake of brevity, recognition ofthe pointer positioned to be close to the touch screen without beingcontacted will be called a ‘proximity touch’, while recognition ofactual contacting of the pointer on the touch screen will be called a‘contact touch.’ In this case, the pointer being in the state of theproximity touch can indicate that the pointer is positioned tocorrespond vertically to the touch screen.

The proximity sensor 141 detects a proximity touch and a proximity touchpattern (e.g., a proximity touch distance, a proximity touch speed, aproximity touch time, a proximity touch position, or a proximity touchmovement state), and information corresponding to the detected proximitytouch operation and the proximity touch pattern can be outputted to thetouch screen.

The audio output module 152 may output audio data received from thewireless communication unit 110 or stored in the memory 160 in variousmodes. The modes may include a call signal reception mode, a call mode,a record mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, orother modes. Also, the audio output module 152 may provide audibleoutputs related to a particular function (e.g., a call signal receptionsound or a message reception sound) performed in the mobile terminal100. The audio output module 152 may include a receiver, a speaker, or abuzzer.

The alarm unit 153 outputs a signal for informing a user about anoccurrence of an event of the mobile terminal 100. Events generated inthe mobile terminal may include receipt of a call, receipt of a message,or received key or touch inputs. In addition to video or audio signals,the alarm unit 153 may output signals in a different manner, forexample, to inform a user about an occurrence of an event. The video oraudio signals may be also outputted via the audio output module 152, sothe display unit 151 and the audio output module 152 may be classifiedas parts of the alarm unit 153.

A haptic module 154 generates various tactile effects the user may feel,such as, for example, vibration. The strength and pattern of the hapticmodule 154 can be controlled. For example, different vibrations may becombined to be outputted or sequentially outputted. Besides vibration,the haptic module 154 may generate various other tactile effects. Thegenerated effects can include stimulation with a pin arrangement movingvertically with respect to a contact skin, a spray force or suctionforce of air through a jet orifice or a suction opening, a contact onthe skin, a contact of an electrode, electrostatic force, and the senseof cold or warmth using an element that can absorb or generate heat. Inaddition, the haptic module 154 may be implemented to allow the user tofeel a tactile effect through a muscle sensation such as fingers or armof the user, as well as transferring the tactile effect through a directcontact. Two or more haptic modules 154 may be provided according to theconfiguration of the mobile terminal 100.

The memory 160 may store software programs used for the processing andcontrolling operations performed by the controller 180, or maytemporarily store data (e.g., a phonebook, messages, still images, orvideo) that are inputted or outputted. In addition, the memory 160 maystore data regarding various patterns of vibrations and audio signalsoutputted when a touch is inputted to the touch screen.

The memory 160 can be implemented using any type of suitable storagemedium, such as, for example, a flash memory, a hard disk, a multimediacard micro type, a card-type memory (e.g., SD or DX memory, etc), aRandom Access Memory (RAM), a Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), aRead-Only Memory (ROM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-OnlyMemory (EEPROM), a Programmable Read-Only memory (PROM), a magneticmemory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. Also, the mobile terminal100 may be operated in relation to a web storage device that performsthe storage function of the memory 160 over the Internet.

The interface unit 170 can serve as an interface with external devicesconnected with the mobile terminal 100. For example, the externaldevices may transmit data to an external device, receive and transmitpower to elements of the mobile terminal 100, or transmit internal dataof the mobile terminal 100 to other devices. For example, the interfaceunit 170 may include wired or wireless headset ports, external powersupply ports, wired or wireless data ports, memory card ports, ports forconnecting a device having an identification module, audio input/output(I/O) ports, video I/O ports, or earphone ports.

The identification module may be a chip that stores various informationfor authenticating the authority of using the mobile communicationterminal 100. This information may include a UIM, a SIM a USIM, or otherinformation. In addition, the device having the identification module(referred to as ‘identifying device’, hereinafter) may take the form ofa smart card. Accordingly, the identifying device may be connected withthe mobile communication terminal 100 via a port. The interface unit 170may be used to receive inputs (e.g., data, information, or power) froman external device and transfer the received inputs to one or moreelements within the mobile communication terminal 100 or may be used totransfer data between the mobile terminal and an external device.

When the mobile communication terminal 100 is connected with an externalcradle, the interface unit 170 may serve as a passage to allow powerfrom the cradle to be supplied therethrough to the mobile communicationterminal 100 or may serve as a passage to allow various command signalsinputted by the user from the cradle to be transferred to the mobilecommunication terminal 100 therethrough. Various command signals orpower inputted from the cradle may operate as signals for recognizingthat the mobile communication terminal 100 is properly mounted on thecradle.

The controller 180 can control the general operations of the mobilecommunication terminal 100. For example, the controller 180 can performcontrolling and processing associated with voice calls, datacommunications, video calls, or other operations. The controller 180 mayinclude a multimedia module 181 for reproducing multimedia data. Themultimedia module 181 may be configured within the controller 180 or maybe configured to be separated from the controller 180. Also, thecontroller 180 may perform pattern recognition processing to recognize ahandwriting input or a picture drawing input performed on the touchscreen as characters or images. The power supply unit 190 receivesexternal power or internal power and supplies power required foroperating respective elements and components under the control of thecontroller 180.

Various embodiments described herein may be implemented in acomputer-readable medium using, for example, software, hardware, or acombination thereof.

For hardware implementations, the techniques described below may beimplemented by using, for example, application specific integratedcircuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signalprocessing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), fieldprogrammable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers,micro-controllers, microprocessors, or other electronic units designedto perform the functions described herein. In some implementations,functionality may be implemented by the controller 180 itself.

For software implementations, the techniques described below may beimplemented by separate software modules. Each software module mayperform one or more functions or operations described herein. Softwarecodes can be implemented by a software application written in anysuitable programming language. The software codes may be stored in thememory 160 and executed by the controller 180. The voice recognitionmodule 182 recognizes a voice pronounced by the user and performs acorresponding function according to the recognized voice signal.

A navigation session 300 applied to the mobile communication terminal100 can be used in displaying a travel route. FIG. 3 is a schematicblock diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle navigation system. Asshown in FIG. 3, a vehicle navigation system includes an informationproviding center 30 for providing traffic information and various data(e.g., programs, execution, and files). A telematics terminal 200 thatis mounted within a vehicle, receives traffic information via a remotewireless communication network 20 and/or short-range wirelesscommunication network, and provides a road guidance service based on aGPS signal received via a satellite 10 and the traffic information.

The configuration of the telematics terminal 200 according to variousimplementations is described below with respect to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is aschematic block diagram showing a configuration of a telematics terminal200. As shown in FIG. 4, the telematics terminal 200 includes a mainboard 210 including a controller or CPU (Central Processing Unit) 212for controlling the telematics terminal 200, memory 213 for storingvarious information, a key controller 211 for controlling various keysignals, and an LCD controller 214 for controlling an LCD.

The memory 213 stores map information (map data) for displaying roadguidance information on a digital map. Also, the memory 213 stores atraffic information collection and control algorithm for inputtingtraffic information according to a present condition of a road on whichthe vehicle is currently traveling.

The main board 210 includes a Code Division Multiple Access(CDMA) module206 and a GPS module 207. The GPS module 207 can guide a location of thevehicle, receive a GPS signal for tracking a travel route from a startpoint to a destination, and transmit traffic information collected bythe user as a GPS signal. The main board 210 can also include a CD deck208 for reproducing a signal recorded in a CD (Compact Disk) and a gyrosensor 209. The CDMA module 206 and the GPS module 207 transmit orreceive signals via antennas 204 and 205.

A broadcast receiving module 222 is connected with the main board 210and receives a broadcast signal via an antenna 223. An LCD 201 under thecontrol of the LCD controller 214, a front board 202 under the controlof the key controller 211, and a camera 227 for capturing the interiorand/or the exterior of a vehicle are connected to the main board 210 viaan interface board 203. The display unit 201 displays various videosignals and character signals, and the front board 202 includes buttonsfor various key signal inputs and provides a key signal corresponding toa button selected by the user to the main board 210. Also, the displayunit 201 can include a proximity sensor and a touch sensor. In addition,the front board 202 can include a menu key for directly inputtingtraffic information. The menu key may be configured to be controlled bythe key controller 211.

An audio board 217 is connected with the main board 210 and processesvarious audio signals. The audio board 217 includes a microcomputer 219for controlling the audio board 217, a tuner 218 for receiving a radiosignal, a power source unit 216 for supplying power to the microcomputer219, and a signal processing unit 215 for processing various voicesignals. Further, the audio board 217 includes a radio antenna 220 forreceiving a radio signal and a tape deck 221 for reproducing an audiotape. The audio board 217 may further include a voice output unit 226including, for example, an amplifier, for outputting a voice signalprocessed by the audio board 217.

The voice output unit 226 is connected to a vehicle interface 224.Namely, the audio board 217 and the main board 210 are connected to thevehicle interface 224. A hands-free unit 225 a for inputting a voicesignal, an airbag 225 b configured for the security of a passenger, anda speed sensor 225 c for detecting the speed of the vehicle, may beconnected to the vehicle interface 224. The speed sensor 225 ccalculates a vehicle speed and provides the calculated vehicle speedinformation to the CPU 212.

The display unit 201 detects a proximity touch within a display windowvia a proximity sensor. For example, when a pointer (e.g., user's fingeror stylus) becomes adjacent to or touches the display unit 201, thedisplay unit 201 detects the position of the proximity touch and outputsposition information corresponding to the detected position to the CPU212. A voice recognition module 301 recognizes a voice pronounced by theuser and performs a corresponding function according to the recognizedvoice signal.

The navigation session 300 applied to the telematics terminal 200generates road guidance information based on the map data and currentlocation information of the vehicle and provides the generated roadguidance information to a user. The vehicle navigation session 300applied to the telematics terminal 200 displays a travel route on mapdata, and when the location of the mobile communication terminal 100 iswithin a pre-set distance from a dead zone included in the travel route,the vehicle navigation session 300 automatically forms a wirelessnetwork with a terminal (e.g., a vehicle navigation device) mountedwithin a nearby vehicle and/or a mobile communication terminal carriedaround by a nearby pedestrian through radio communication (e.g., a shortrange wireless communication network), in order to receive locationinformation from one or more of the terminal mounted within the nearbyvehicle and the mobile communication terminal carried around by thenearby pedestrian.

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of a datadisplay apparatus. The data display apparatus may be applicable to smartphones, notebook computers, digital broadcasting terminals, PDAs, PMPs,desktop computers, and the mobile communication terminal 100 and thetelematics terminal 200.

As shown in FIG. 5, a data display device 500 includes a display unit403, a storage unit 402 for storing data (e.g., multimedia data) andinformation related to the data, a controller 401. The controller 401can be configured to enable display of overview information of firstdata selected by the user and display of information related to thefirst data in a map form on the display unit 402 when an icon indicatinginformation in relation to the first data is selected by the user. Thedata display apparatus 400 may download the data (e.g., multimedia data)and information related to the data from a server 500 via acommunication unit 404.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a first process for data display.Initially, first data is selected from among a plurality of data items(S11). Next, overview information of the first data is displayed (S12).In particular, when first data is selected by the user from among dataitems (e.g., multimedia data) displayed on the display unit 403, thecontroller 401 reads overview information of the first data from thestorage unit 402 and displays the overview information on the displayunit 403. Here, the first data may be multimedia data such as moviedata, music data, photo data, or music album data. The overviewinformation may be overview information regarding movies, music, photos,or other information.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are overviews of display screens illustrating selection ofdata. As shown in FIG. 7, the controller 401 displays the multimediadata (e.g., movie, music, or photos) on the display unit 403, and when amovie is selected by the user from among the displayed multimedia data,the controller 401 searches one or more of a hard disk drive (HDD), auniversal serial bus (USB), a digital living network alliance (DLNA), acommon Internet file system (CIFS), and an online server for theselected movie and displays retrieved movie data on the display unit403.

As shown in FIG. 8, the controller 401 displays movie data which hasbeen searched from one or more of the hard disk drive (HDD), theuniversal serial bus (USB), the digital living network alliance (DLNA),the common Internet file system (CIFS), and the online server on thedisplay unit 403. When first data (e.g., data regarding the movie “DarkKnight”) 8-1 is selected by the user from the movie data displayed onthe display unit 403, the controller 401 reads overview information ofthe first data and displays the read overview information on the displayunit 403.

Then, it is determined whether a relation map icon that is displayed onoverview information has been selected (S13). Specifically, thecontroller 401 determines whether or not an icon included in theoverview information is selected by the user. The icon can be displayedtogether with the overview information on the display unit 430 and canindicate information related to the first data.

Hereinafter, the overview information of the first data and the iconindicating the information related to the first data will now bedescribed with reference to FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 9, when the firstdata 9-1 (e.g., a poster or representative image of “Dark Knight”) isselected by the user from among data displayed on the display unit 403,the controller 401 reads overview information of the first data from thestorage unit 402 and displays the read overview information on thedisplay unit 403. The overview information may include information abouta director of the movie, information about actors, information about awriter, information about a release date, information about a genre,awards information, NewsDesk, or other information.

The overview information may further include almighty search icon. Whenthe almighty search icon is selected by the user, the controller 401searches movie data (e.g., “Dark Knight”) corresponding to the firstdata 9-1 from the storage unit 402 or the server 500 and reproduces(i.e., plays) the searched movie data. Also, the controller 401determines whether or not an icon 9-2 displayed on the overviewinformation screen image and indicating information related to the “DarkKnight” 9-1 has been selected. Here, the icon 9-2 refers to an iconsearching and indicating various representative image informationrelated to the data (e.g., “Dark Knight” 9-1) selected by the user.

Next, information related to the first data is searched (S14). When theicon included in the overview information is selected by the user, thecontroller 401 searches the storage unit 402 for information related tothe first data. Also, searched information is displayed in map formcentering around the first data. That is, when information related tothe first data is searched from the storage unit 402, the controller 401displays the searched information related to the first data in a mapform centering around the first data on the display unit 403.

FIG. 10 illustrates information related to the first data according tovarious implementations. As shown in FIG. 10, when the informationrelated to the first data 9-1 is searched from the storage unit 402, thecontroller 401 displays the searched information related to the firstdata in a map form centering around the first data 9-1 on the displayunit 403. For example, the controller 401 may display representativeimages (e.g., poster images of films in which Heath Ledger acted)representing first actor information related to the representative image9-1 of “Dark Knight” in a row on the display unit 403 such that they aregradually reduced in size toward a first direction (e.g., at 45 degreesclockwise) from the poster image 9-1 of “Dark Knight.” Namely, thecontroller 401 sequentially displays the poster images corresponding tothe relevant films (e.g., the films in which Heath Ledger acted) in thefirst direction such that the more recent the films, the closer they areto the poster image 9-1 displayed at the center of the searchedinformation related to the first data.

The controller 401 may display representative images (e.g., posterimages of films in which Christian Bale acted) representing second actorinformation related to the representative image 9-1 of “Dark Knight” ina row on the display unit 403 such that they are gradually reduced insize toward a second direction (e.g., at 135 degrees clockwise) from theposter image 9-1 of “Dark Knight.” Namely, the controller 401sequentially displays the poster images corresponding to the relevantfilms (e.g., the films in which Christian Bale acted) in the seconddirection such that the more recent the films, the closer they are tothe poster image 9-1 of “Dark Knight” displayed at the center of thesearched information related to the first data.

The controller 401 may display poster images representing seriesinformation (e.g., “Batman” series 1, 2, 3, . . . ) related to theposter image 9-1 of “Dark Knight” in a row on the display unit 403 suchthat they are gradually reduced in size toward a third direction (e.g.,at 225 degrees clockwise) from the poster image 9-1 of “Dark Knight.”Namely, the controller 401 sequentially displays the poster imagescorresponding to the relevant films (e.g., the “Batman” series films) inthe third direction such that the more recent the films, the closer theyare to the poster image 9-1 of “Dark Knight” displayed at the center ofthe searched information related to the first data.

The controller 401 may display representative images (e.g., posterimages of films produced by Christopher Nolan) representing directorinformation related to the representative (poster) image 9-1 of “DarkKnight” in a row on the display unit 403 such that they are graduallyreduced in size toward a fourth direction (e.g., at 315 degreesclockwise) from the poster image 9-1 of “Dark Knight.” Namely, thecontroller 401 sequentially displays the poster images corresponding tothe relevant films (e.g., the films produced by Christopher Nolan) inthe fourth direction such that the more recent the films, the closerthey are to the poster image 9-1 of “Dark Knight” displayed at thecenter of the searched information related to the first data.

Here, the controller 401 may display first actor information, secondactor information, series information, and director information invarious directions according to a setting of a designer, and may furtherdisplay writer information, genre information, awards information, andother information related to the first data. Also, the controller 401may download information (e.g., actor information, series information,director information, writer information, genre information, or awardinformation) related to the first data from the server 500 via thecommunication unit 400 or from an external storage medium (e.g., a USBmemory).

Thereafter, it is determined whether first data that is displayed oninformation in map form has been selected (S16). If so, overviewinformation of the first data is displayed (S17). More specifically, thecontroller 401 may determine whether or not the first data 9-1 withinthe information displayed in the map form has been selected again by theuser. When the first data 9-1 displayed on the information displayed inthe map form is selected by the user, the controller 401 displaysoverview information of the first data 9-1 on the display unit 403.

In the above description, representative images are described as beingwithin rows in first through fourth directions defined in terms ofdegrees. This description is exemplary as, the representative images maybe placed on a purely linearly axis (as shown in FIG. 10) in specifieddegree angles or may be placed along a non-linear axis. Whether linearor non-linear in nature, the axis defines the points in which therepresentative images are placed on the screen. For example, the firstthrough fourth rows may be placed along axes that are curved or spiralin nature. That is, the representative images may be placed at pointsalong a spiral direction away from a central image. Also, the firstthrough fourth rows may be placed along a circular axis, athree-dimensional axis, or an axis with another shape. In addition,various combinations and axes may be used. For example, in oneimplementation, the first and second rows are linear and the third andfourth rows are spiral.

For simplicity of description, the further implementations describedbelow similarly refer to implementations using linear axes. However, theuse of various types of non-linear axes described above also applies tothe description below. For example, the rows in FIGS. 12-14 and 17-19need not be linear and may be, for example, spiral, circular,three-dimensional, or a combination thereof.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of a second process for data display. Initially,when the first data is selected by the user from among data (e.g.,multimedia data) displayed on the display unit 403, the controller 401reads the overview information of the first data from the storage unit402 and displays the read overview information on the display unit 403.The controller 401 determines whether or not an icon included in theoverview information has been selected by the user. When the iconincluded in the overview information is selected by the user, thecontroller 401 searches information related to the first data from thestorage unit 402.

Search information is displayed in map form centering around first data(S21). That is, when information related to the first data is searchedfrom the storage unit 402, the controller 401 displays the searchedinformation related to the first data in a map form on the display unit403, centering around the first data. Then, whether second data has beenselected from among searched information is determined (S22). Forexample, the controller 401 determines whether or not second data hasbeen selected by the user from among the information related to thefirst data (S22). If so, information related to the second data issearched (S23). For example, when the second data is selected by theuser from among the information related to the first data, thecontroller 401 searches information related to the second data from thestorage unit 402.

Thereafter, searched information is displayed in map form centeringaround the second data (S24). More specifically, when informationrelated to the second data is searched from the storage unit 402, thecontroller 401 displays the searched information related to the seconddata in a map form on the display unit 403, centering around the seconddata.

The information related to the second data will now be described withreference to FIGS. 12 and 13. FIGS. 12 and 13 are overviews of displayscreens illustrating information related to a second data item. As shownin FIG. 12, when information related to second data 12-1 is searchedfrom the storage unit 402, the controller 401 displays the searchedinformation related to the second data in a map form on the display unit403, centering on the second data 12-1.

As shown in FIG. 13, the controller 401 may display representativeimages (e.g., poster images of films in which Sam Worthington acted)representing first actor information related to a representative image12-1 of “Terminator” in a row on the display unit 403 such that they aregradually reduced in size toward a first direction (e.g., at 45 degreesclockwise) from the poster image 12-1 of “Terminator.” Namely, thecontroller 401 sequentially displays the poster images corresponding tothe relevant films (e.g., the films in which Sam Worthington acted) inthe first direction such that the more recent the films, the closer theyare to the poster image 12-1 of Terminator displayed at the center ofthe searched information related to the second data.

The controller 401 may display representative images (e.g., posterimages of films in which Christian Bale acted) representing second actorinformation related to the representative image 12-1 of “Terminator” ina row on the display unit 403 such that they are gradually reduced insize toward a second direction (e.g., at 135 degrees clockwise) from theposter image 12-1 of “Terminator.” Namely, the controller 401sequentially displays the poster images corresponding to the relevantfilms (e.g., the films in which Christian Bale acted) in the seconddirection such that the more recent the films, the closer they are tothe poster image 12-1 of “Terminator” displayed at the center of thesearched information related to the second data.

The controller 401 may display poster images representing seriesinformation (e.g., “Terminator” series 1, 2, 3, . . . ) related to theposter image 12-1 of “Terminator” in a row on the display unit 403 suchthat they are gradually reduced in size toward a third direction (e.g.,at 225 degrees clockwise) from the poster image 12-1 of “Terminator.”Namely, the controller 401 sequentially displays the poster imagescorresponding to the relevant films (e.g., the “Terminator” seriesfilms) in the third direction such that the more recent the films, thecloser they are to the poster image 12-1 of “Terminator” displayed atthe center of the searched information related to the second data.

The controller 401 may display representative images (e.g., posterimages of films produced by Joseph McGinty Nichol) representing producerinformation related to the representative image 12-1 of “Terminator” arow on the display unit 403 such that they are gradually reduced in sizetoward a fourth direction (e.g., at 315 degrees clockwise) from theposter image 12-1 of “Terminator.” Namely, the controller 401sequentially displays the poster images corresponding to the relevantfilms (e.g., the films produced by Joseph McGinty Nichol) in the fourthdirection such that the more recent the films, the closer they are tothe poster image 12-1 of “Terminator” displayed at the center of thesearched information related to the second data.

Here, the controller 401 may display first actor information, secondactor information, series information, and producer information invarious directions according to a setting of a designer, and may furtherdisplay writer information, genre information, awards information, orother information related to the second data.

Thereafter, it is determined whether second data that is displayed oninformation in map form has been selected (S25). In particular, thecontroller 401 may determine whether or not the second data 12-1displayed on the information displayed in the map form has been selectedagain by the user. If so, overview information is second data isdisplayed (S26). That is, when the second data 12-1 displayed on theinformation displayed in the map form is selected by the user, thecontroller 401 displays overview information of the second data 12-1 onthe display unit 403.

A method of displaying overview information of the second data when thesecond data is selected again by the user will now be described withreference to FIG. 14. FIG. 14 is an overview of display screensillustrating overview information. As shown in FIG. 14, the controller401 determines whether or not the second data 12-1 displayed on theinformation that is displayed in the map form has been selected again bythe user. When the second data 12-1 is selected by the user, thecontroller 401 displays overview information of the second data 12-1 onthe display unit 403. The overview information may include a posterimage of “Terminator” and director information, actor information,writer information, release date information, genre information, awardsinformation, NewsDesk, or other information.

The overview information further includes an almighty search icon. Whenthe almighty search icon 14-1 is selected by the user, the controller401 searches movie data (e.g., “Terminator”) corresponding to the seconddata 12-1 from the storage unit 402 or from the server 500, andreproduces (plays) the searched movie data.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart illustrating a third process for data display.Initially, first data is selected from among music album data (S31).Then, overview information of the first data is displayed (S32). Inparticular, when the first data (e.g., first music data) is selectedfrom the data (e.g., music data) displayed on the display unit 403, thecontroller 401 reads overview data of the first data from the storageunit 402 and displays the read overview information on the display unit403. Here, the first data may be multimedia data, such as photo data ormusic data. The overview information may be overview informationregarding specific music selected by the user, or overview informationregarding photo/music data.

Next, it is determined whether a relational map icon that is displayedon overview information has been selected (S33). Specifically, thecontroller 401 determines whether or not the icon (e.g., the relationmap icon) included in the overview information has been selected by theuser. The icon is displayed on the display unit 403 together with theoverview information and indicates information related to the firstdata.

Hereinafter, icons for indicating the overview information of the firstdata (music data) and the information related to the first data (musicdata) will now be described with reference to FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is anoverview of a display screen illustrating overview information. As shownin FIG. 16, when first music data 16-1 (e.g., a poster or representativeimage) of “Crazy In Love” of Beyonce is selected by the user from amonga plurality of music data (e.g., posters or music representative images)displayed on the display unit 403, the controller 401 reads overviewinformation of the first music data from the storage unit 402 anddisplays the read overview information on the display unit 403. Theoverview information may include information about the singer, thealbum, the lyrics, a release date, genre, NewsDesk of the title of thesong “Crazy In Love.”

The overview information further includes an almighty search icon. Whenthe almighty search icon is selected by the user, the controller 401searches a music file (e.g., “Crazy In Love”) corresponding to the firstdata 16-1 from the storage unit 402 or from the server 500, andreproduces (plays) the searched music data. In addition, the controller401 determines whether or not an icon 16-2 for indicating informationdisplayed on the overview information and related to the title of thesong “Crazy In Love” 16-1 has been selected.

Next, information related to the first data is searched (S34). Then,searched information is displayed in map form centering around the firstdata (S35). Specifically, when an icon (e.g., a relation map icon)included in the overview information is selected by the user, thecontroller 401 searches information related to the first music data fromthe storage unit 402. When the information related to the first musicdata is searched from the storage unit 402, the controller 401 displaysthe information related to the searched first data in a map form,centering around the first data, on the display unit 403.

Hereinafter, the information related to the first music data will now bedescribed with reference to FIG. 17. FIG. 17 is an overview of a displayscreen illustrating information related to a first music data item. Asshown in FIG. 17, when information related to the first music data 16-1is searched from the storage unit 402, the controller 401 displays thesearched information related to the first music data in a map form,centering around the first data 16-1, on the display unit 16-1. Forexample, the controller 401 displays the representative images (e.g.,the poster images of a first music album and a second music album)representing album information related to the representative image 16-1in a row on the display unit 403 such that they are gradually reduced insize toward a first direction (e.g., at 45 degrees clockwise) from theposter image 16-1 of “Crazy In Love.” Namely, the controller 401sequentially displays the poster images corresponding to the relevantmusic albums in the first direction such that the more recent the musicalbums, the closer they are to the poster image 16-1 displayed at thecenter of the searched information related to the music data.

The controller 401 may display representative images (e.g., posterimages of songs sung by Beyonce) representing artist (e.g., singer)information related to the representative image 16-1 of “Crazy In Love”in a row on the display unit 403 such that they are gradually reduced insize toward a second direction (e.g., at 135 degrees clockwise) from theposter image 16-1 of “Crazy In Love.” Namely, the controller 401sequentially displays the poster images corresponding to the relevanttitle of songs in the second direction such that the more recent thesongs, the closer they are to the poster image 16-1 of “Crazy In Love”displayed at the center of the searched information related to the firstdata.

The controller 401 may display poster images representing music videoinformation related to the poster image 16-1 of “Crazy In Love” in a rowon the display unit 403 such that they are gradually reduced in sizetoward a third direction (e.g., at 225 degrees clockwise) from theposter image 16-1 of “Crazy In Love.” Namely, the controller 401sequentially displays the poster images corresponding to the relevantmusic video in the third direction such that the more recent the musicvideo, the closer they are to the poster image 16-1 of “Crazy In Love”displayed at the center of the searched information related to the firstdata. Here, the controller 401 may download the music video from awebsite, such as www.youtube.com.

The controller 401 may display representative images representing photoinformation (e.g., photo images of the single of “Crazy In Love”)related to the representative (poster) image 16-1 of “Crazy In Love” ina row on the display unit 403 such that they are gradually reduced insize toward a fourth direction (e.g., at 315 degrees clockwise) from theposter image 16-1 of “Crazy In Love.” Namely, the controller 401sequentially displays the poster images (here, the poster images may bethe photo images) corresponding to the relevant photo images in thefourth direction such that the more recent the photo images, the closerthey are to the poster image 16-1 of “Crazy In Love” displayed at thecenter of the searched information related to the first data. Here, thecontroller 401 may download the photo images stored in the server 500through a website, such as www.picassa.com.

Here, the controller 401 may display the album information, artistinformation, music video information, and the photo information invarious directions according to a designer's setting, and may furtherdisplay composer information, genre information, or other informationrelated to the first data in various forms. Also, the controller 401 maydownload information (e.g., album information, artist information, musicvideo information, or photo information) related to the first data fromthe server 500 or an external storage medium (e.g., a USB memory)through the communication unit 404.

Thereafter, it is determined whether the first data that is displayed oninformation in map form has been selected (S36). If so, overviewinformation of the first data is displayed (S37). For example, thecontroller 401 determines whether or not the first data 16-1 displayedon the information displayed in the map form is selected again by theuser. When the first data 16-1 displayed on the information displayed inthe map form is selected by the user, the controller 401 displaysoverview information of the first data 16-1 on the display unit 403.Meanwhile, when a poster image representing first music videoinformation is selected by the user from among the information displayedin the map form, the controller 401 receives the first music video datathrough the storage unit 402 or the communication unit 404, andreproduces (plays) the received first music video data.

Hereinafter, a method of receiving the first music video data throughthe storage unit 402 or the communication unit 404 and reproducing thereceived first music video data when the poster image representing thefirst music video information is selected by the user will now bedescribed with reference to FIG. 18. FIG. 18 is an overview of displayscreens illustrating a method of reproducing music video. As shown inFIG. 18, when a poster image 18-1 representing the first music videoinformation is selected by the user, the controller 401 receives firstmusic video data linked to the poster image 18-1 through the storageunit 402 or the communication unit 404 and reproduces (i.e., plays) thereceived first music video data. In addition, when the first music videodata is reproduced, if a return relation map icon displayed on thescreen for reproducing the first music video data is selected by theuser, the controller 401 displays information related to the first musicdata again on the display unit 403.

Hereinafter, the method of receiving first photo data through thestorage unit 402 or the communication unit 404 and displaying thereceived first photo data when a poster image representing first photoinformation is selected by the user from among information displayed inthe map form will now be described with reference to FIG. 19. FIG. 19 isan overview of a display screen illustrating a method of displaying aphoto image. As shown in FIG. 19, when a poster image 19-1 representingthe first photo information is selected by the user, the controller 401receives first photo data linked to the poster image 19-1 through thestorage unit 402 or the communication unit 404, and displays thereceived first photo data. When the first photo data linked to theposter image 19-1 is displayed, the controller 401 reproduces musiccorresponding to the photo data. Here, the controller 401 may displaythe first photo data in the form of a slide show. For example, indisplaying the first photo data in the form of a slide show, thecontroller 401 may set a display time duration of each photo image suchthat it is the same as a reproduction time duration of music related toeach photo image.

In addition, when the first photo data is displayed, if a returnrelation map icon displayed on the display screen for displaying thefirst photo data is selected by the user, the controller 401 may displaythe information related to the first music data again on the displayunit 403.

As described above, an apparatus and method for displaying data providesvarious functionality. This functionality can include the followingdescription.

That is, first, when the first data is selected from among a pluralityof data items, overview information of the selected first data isdisplayed on the display unit, and when an icon included in the overviewinformation and indicating information related to the first data isselected, information related to the first data is displayed in a mapform on the display unit. Thus, the user can easily select data.

Second, when the first data is selected from among a plurality of dataitems, overview information of the selected first data is displayed onthe display unit, and when an icon included in the overview informationand indicating information related to the first data is selected,information related to the first data is displayed in a map form on thedisplay unit. Thus, information related to the data selected by the usercan be intuitively checked.

As the above description may be implemented in various forms withoutdeparting from the characteristics thereof, it should also be understoodthat the above-described implementations are not limited by any of thedetails of the foregoing description, unless otherwise specified, butrather should be construed broadly within its scope as defined in theappended claims, and therefore all changes and modifications that fallwithin the metes and bounds of the claims, or equivalents of such metesand bounds are therefore intended to be embraced by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of displaying categories of informationon a mobile terminal, the method comprising: receiving a user inputselecting a first data item; accessing, based on the received user inputselecting the first data item, multiple informational categoriesassociated with the selected first data item; retrieving multiple dataitems within a first of the multiple informational categories associatedwith the selected first data item; retrieving multiple data items withina second of the multiple informational categories associated with theselected first data item; generating a first relation map for the firstdata item that includes: the first data item, the multiple retrieveddata items within the first informational category arranged according toa first category-based axis that extends away from the first data item,and the multiple retrieved data items within the second informationalcategory arranged according to a second category-based axis that extendsaway from the first data item, wherein the first category-based axis isdifferent than the second category-based axis; enabling rendering, on adisplay of a mobile terminal, the generated first relation map for thefirst data item; determining a selection, by the user, of a second dataitem from within the first relation map of the first data item; anddetermining, based on the second data item that was selected from withinthe first relation map of the first data item, whether to (i) reproducean image and audio data for the second data item, or (ii) generate asecond relation map for the second data item; wherein the determinationis to reproduce the image and audio data for the second data item andreproducing an image and audio data for the second data item comprises:displaying, on the display of the mobile terminal and for a first amountof time, an image linked to the second data item; and reproducing, for asecond period of time, audio data associated with the second data itemin response to the second data item being selected.
 2. A methodcomprising: selecting a first data item; accessing, based on theselection of the first data item, multiple informational categoriesassociated with the selected first data item; retrieving multiple dataitems within a first of the multiple informational categories associatedwith the selected first data item; retrieving multiple data items withina second of the multiple informational categories associated with theselected first data item; enabling generation and display, on a displayof a device, of a first relation map for the first data item thatincludes: the first data item, the multiple retrieved data items withinthe first informational category arranged according to a firstcategory-based axis that extends away from the first data item, and themultiple retrieved data items within the second informational categoryarranged according to a second category-based axis that extends awayfrom the first data item, wherein the first category-based axis isdifferent than the second category-based axis; selecting a second dataitem from within the first relation map of the first data item; anddetermining, based on the second data item that was selected from withinthe first relation map of the first data item, whether to (i) reproducean image and audio data for the second data item, or (ii) generate asecond relation map for the second data item; wherein the determinationis to reproduce the image and audio data for the second data item andreproducing an image and audio data for the second data item comprises:displaying, on the display of the device and for a first period of time,an image linked to the second data item; and reproducing, for a secondperiod of time, audio data associated with the second data item inresponse to the second data item being selected.
 3. The method of claim2 wherein: selecting the first data item includes selecting a data itemthat corresponds to a first movie; accessing the multiple informationalcategories associated with the selected first data item includesaccessing multiple informational categories associated with the firstmovie; retrieving the multiple data items within the first of multipleinformational categories includes retrieving multiple data itemscorresponding to other movies starring an actor who acted in the firstmovie; retrieving the multiple data items within the second of multipleinformational categories includes retrieving multiple data itemscorresponding to other movies directed by a director who directed thefirst movie; and enabling generation of the display includes enablinggeneration of a display that renders an icon corresponding to the firstmovie, icons corresponding to the other movies starring the actor whoacted in the first movie arranged in a row according to the firstcategory-based axis that extends away from the icon corresponding to thefirst movie, and icons corresponding to the other movies directed by thedirector who directed the first movie arranged in a row according to thesecond category-based axis that extends away from the icon correspondingto the first movie.
 4. The method of claim 2 wherein: selecting thefirst data item includes selecting a data item that corresponds to anartist; accessing the multiple informational categories associated withthe selected first data item includes accessing multiple informationalcategories associated with the artist; retrieving the multiple dataitems within the first of multiple informational categories includesretrieving multiple data items corresponding to songs by the artist;retrieving the multiple data items within the second of multipleinformational categories includes retrieving multiple data itemscorresponding to photos of the artist; and enabling generation of thedisplay includes enabling generation of a display that renders an iconcorresponding to the artist, icons corresponding to the songs by theartist arranged in a row according to the first category-based axis thatextends away from the icon corresponding to the artist, and iconscorresponding to the photos of the artist arranged in a row according tothe second category-based axis outward that extends away from the iconcorresponding to the artist.
 5. The method of claim 4 furthercomprising: receiving a selection of a first icon of the rendered iconscorresponding to the songs by the artist arranged in the row accordingto the first category-based axis that extends away from the iconcorresponding to the artist; accessing, based on the selection of thefirst icon, a media item of the song to which the selected first iconcorresponds; and enabling rendering of the accessed media item.
 6. Themethod of claim 2 wherein selecting a first data item includes receivinguser input selecting an item rendered on a display of a mobile terminal.7. The method of claim 2 wherein accessing the multiple informationalcategories associated with the selected first data item includesaccessing, from computer-readable memory, an association between themultiple informational categories and the selected first data item. 8.The method of claim 2 wherein: retrieving the multiple data items withinthe first informational category includes retrieving, fromcomputer-readable memory of a mobile terminal, the multiple data itemswithin the first informational category; and retrieving the multipledata items within the second informational category includes retrieving,from the computer-readable memory of the mobile terminal, the multipledata items within the second informational category.
 9. The method ofclaim 2 wherein: retrieving the multiple data items within the firstinformational category includes retrieving, from an Internet website,the multiple data items within the first informational category; andretrieving the multiple data items within the second informationalcategory includes retrieving, from the Internet website, the multipledata items within the second informational category.
 10. The method ofclaim 2 wherein the first category-based axis is a linear axis with afirst angle relative to a reference line and the second category-basedaxis is a linear axis with a second angle relative to the reference linethat differs from the first angle.
 11. The method of claim 10 whereinthe second angle is perpendicular to the first angle.
 12. The method ofclaim 2 further comprising: retrieving multiple data items within athird of the multiple informational categories associated with theselected first data item; and retrieving multiple data items within afourth of the multiple informational categories associated with theselected first data item, wherein enabling generation of the displayincludes enabling generation of a display that includes the first dataitem, the multiple retrieved data items within the first informationalcategory arranged according to a first category-based axis that extendsaway from the first data item, the multiple retrieved data items withinthe second informational category arranged according to a secondcategory-based axis that extends away from the first data item, themultiple retrieved data items within the third informational categoryarranged according to a third category-based axis that extends away fromthe first data item, and the multiple retrieved data items within thefourth informational category arranged according to a fourthcategory-based axis that extends away from the first data item.
 13. Themethod of claim 2 wherein enabling generation of the display includesenabling generation of a display that renders icons corresponding to themultiple retrieved data items within the first informational categoryarranged in a row according to the first category-based axis thatextends away from the first data item and that renders iconscorresponding to the multiple retrieved data items within the secondinformational category arranged in a row according to the secondcategory-based axis that extends away from the first data item.
 14. Themethod of claim 13 further comprising: receiving a selection of a firsticon of the rendered icons corresponding to the multiple retrieved dataitems within the first informational category arranged in the rowaccording to the first category-based axis that extends away from thefirst data item; accessing, based on the selection of the first icon,information corresponding to the selected first icon; and enablingrendering of the accessed information corresponding to the selectedfirst icon.
 15. A device comprising: a computer-readable memory; adisplay; and a controller configured to: receive a user input selectinga first data item, access, based on a selection of the first data itemand from the computer-readable memory, multiple informational categoriesassociated with the selected data item, retrieve multiple data itemswithin a first of multiple informational categories associated with theselected first data item, retrieve multiple data items within a secondof multiple informational categories associated with the selected firstdata item, enable rendering, on the display of the device, a firstrelation map for the first data item that includes: the selected firstdata item, the multiple retrieved data items within the firstinformational category arranged according to a first category-based axisthat extends away from the first data item, and the multiple retrieveddata items within the second informational category arranged accordingto a second category-based axis that extends away from the first dataitem, wherein the first category-based axis is different than the secondcategory-based axis, receive a selection, by the user, of a second dataitem from within the first relation map of the first data item; anddetermine, based on the second data item that was selected from withinthe first relation map of the first data item, whether to (i) reproducean image and audio data for the second data item, or (ii) generate asecond relation map for the second data item; wherein the determinationis to reproduce the image and audio data for the second data item andreproducing an image and audio data for the second data item comprises:display, on the display of the device and for a first period of time, animage linked to the second data item, and reproduce, for a second periodof time, audio data associated with the second data item in response tothe second data item being selected.
 16. The device of claim 15 wherein,to access the multiple informational categories associated with theselected data item, the controller is configured to access, from thecomputer-readable memory, an association between the multipleinformational categories and the selected first data item.
 17. Thedevice of claim 15 wherein: to retrieve the multiple data items withinthe first informational category, the controller is configured toretrieve, from the computer-readable memory, the multiple data itemswithin the first informational category; and to retrieve the multipledata items within the second informational category, the controller isconfigured to retrieve, from the computer-readable memory, the multipledata items within the second informational category.
 18. The device ofclaim 15 wherein: to retrieve the multiple data items within the firstinformational category, the controller is configured to retrieve, froman Internet website, the multiple data items within the firstinformational category; and to retrieve the multiple data items withinthe second informational category, the controller is configured toretrieve, from the Internet website, the multiple data items within thesecond informational category.
 19. The device of claim 15 wherein thefirst category-based axis is a linear axis with a first angle relativeto a reference line and the second category-based axis is a linear axiswith a second angle relative to a reference line that differs from thefirst angle.
 20. The device of claim 19 wherein the second angle isperpendicular to the first angle.
 21. The device of claim 15 wherein, toenable rendering, the controller is configured to enable rendering of anicon corresponding to the first data item, icons corresponding to themultiple retrieved data items within the first informational categoryarranged in a row according to the first category-based axis thatextends away from the icon corresponding to the first data item, andicons corresponding to the multiple retrieved data items within thesecond informational category arranged in a row according to the secondcategory-based axis that extends away from the icon corresponding to thefirst data item.
 22. The device of claim 15 wherein the controllerincludes one or more processors.
 23. A method comprising: selecting afirst data item; accessing, based on the selection of the first dataitem, multiple informational categories associated with the selectedfirst data item; retrieving multiple data items within a first ofmultiple informational categories associated with the selected firstdata item; retrieving multiple data items within a second of multipleinformational categories related to the selected first data item;enabling generation and display, on a display of a device, of a firstrelation map for the first data item that includes: the first data item,the multiple retrieved data items within the first informationalcategory arranged according to a first category-based axis that extendsaway from the first data item, and the multiple retrieved data itemswithin the second informational category arranged according to a secondcategory-based axis that extends away from the first data item, whereinthe first category-based axis is different than the secondcategory-based axis; selecting a second data item from within the firstrelation map of the first data item; and determining, based on thesecond data item that was selected from within the first relation map ofthe first data item, whether to (i) reproduce an image and audio datafor the second data item, or (ii) generate a second relation map for thesecond data item; wherein the determination is to generate a secondrelation map for the second data item and generating the second relationmap for the second data item comprises: accessing, based on theselection of the second data item, multiple informational categoriesassociated with the selected second data item; retrieving multiple dataitems within a third of multiple informational categories associatedwith the selected second data item; retrieving multiple data itemswithin a fourth of multiple informational categories related to theselected second data item; enabling generation and display, on a displayof a device, of the second relation map for the second data item thatincludes: the second data item, the multiple retrieved data items withinthe third informational category arranged according to a thirdcategory-based axis that extends away from the second data item, and themultiple retrieved data items within the fourth informational categoryarranged according to a fourth category-based axis that extends awayfrom the second data item, wherein the third category-based axis isdifferent than the fourth category-based axis.
 24. The method of claim1, wherein: a predetermined order with which the multiple retrieved dataitems within the second informational category are displayed on thesecond category-based axis is based on a time-based relationship betweenthe multiple retrieved data items within the second informationalcategory and the first data item.
 25. The method of claim 2, wherein: apredetermined order with which the multiple retrieved data items withinthe second informational category are displayed on the secondcategory-based axis is based on a time-based relationship between themultiple retrieved data items within the second informational categoryand the first data item.
 26. The device of claim 15, wherein: apredetermined order with which the multiple retrieved data items withinthe second informational category are displayed on the secondcategory-based axis is based on a time-based relationship between themultiple retrieved data items within the second informational categoryand the first data item.
 27. The method of claim 1, wherein: the firstperiod of time is substantially equal to the second period of time, andeach of the multiple retrieved data items within the first informationalcategory are displayed, on the first category-based axis in apredetermined order from the first data item and each of the multipleretrieved data items within the second informational category aredisplayed on the second category-based axis in the predetermined orderfrom the first data item.
 28. The method of claim 1, wherein a size withwhich the second data item of the multiple retrieved data items isdisplayed is gradually reduced as the distance with which the seconddata item is displayed from the first data item increases, and wherein apredetermined order with which the multiple retrieved data items withinthe first informational category are displayed on the firstcategory-based axis is based on a time-based relationship between themultiple retrieved data items within the first informational categoryand the first data item, and a predetermined order with which themultiple retrieved data items within the second informational categoryare displayed on the second category-based axis is based on a time-basedrelationship between the multiple retrieved data items within the secondinformational category and the first data item.
 29. The method of claim1, wherein generating the second relation map for the second data itemcomprises: accessing, based on the selection of the second data item,multiple informational categories associated with the selected seconddata item; retrieving multiple data items within a third of multipleinformational categories associated with the selected second data item;retrieving multiple data items within a fourth of multiple informationalcategories related to the selected second data item; enabling generationand display, on a display of a device, of the second relation map forthe second data item that includes: the second data item, the multipleretrieved data items within the third informational category arrangedaccording to a third category-based axis that extends away from thesecond data item, and the multiple retrieved data items within thefourth informational category arranged according to a fourthcategory-based axis that extends away from the second data item, whereinthe third category-based axis is different than the fourthcategory-based axis.